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GATES, NC – Barbara Harrell Parker, 78, of 366 Rooks Road, died Sunday, January 2, 2022 in Sentara Obici Hospital, Suffolk, VA.

Mrs. Parker was born in Gates County on April 20, 1943, and was the daughter of the late Langley Taylor Harrell, Sr. and Agnes Parker Harrell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, L.T. Harrell, Jr. and Douglas Ray Harrell; and by her son-in-law, William G. “Bill” Collins, Jr.

Mrs. Parker had retired as Postmaster of the Gatesville Post Office, after working with the US Postal Service for 35 years. A faithful member of Reynoldson Baptist Church, she served as Deacon, a Sunday School teacher, and was active in the W.M.U. Other areas of service included her work with the Gates Emergency Ministries (GEMS) Food Pantry, and being a regular donor at the area Red Cross Blood Drives.

Surviving are her children: daughter, Cathy Parker Collins of Gates; and son, David Parker (wife, Laurie) of Raleigh; five grandchildren, Anna-Lee, Mary Alice, and Jessica Blythe, and Ryan and Zoe Parker; and two great-grandchildren, L.T. and Grayson Foster. Also surviving is her sister-in-law, Kaye Harrell Winslow (husband, Phil) of Belvidere; a niece, Angela Futrell, and two nephews, Taylor and Gary Harrell.

A memorial service will be held Friday, January 7 at 11:00 a.m. in Reynoldson Baptist Church and will be conducted by the Rev. Cody Brinkley and the Rev. Tommy Holland. A private inurnment will be in Cool Spring Baptist Cemetery.

With the resurgence of the Covid virus in the area, no formal visitation is planned; however, friends are invited to speak to the family in the Reynoldson Social Hall immediately following the service. Masks and social distancing guidelines are encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Reynoldson Baptist Church, P.O. Box 308, Gates, NC 27937, or to any chapter of the American Cancer Society (online at www.cancer.org).

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.